Shiseido • Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55 PA+++ [DISCONTINUED] • Sunscreen

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Aijamal on 10/27/2012 9:05:00 AM more reviews by Aijamal

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Bought this sunsceen based on good reviews and I am so glad that I did. I agree with other reviewers that it does works very good as a primer under foundation, also controld oil thorought the day. I do not agree that it has white cast, its very good smellling cream, not heavy, not greasy. So far best that I have ever used, will buy it again.

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Jinstellakwon on 10/3/2012 8:08:00 PM more reviews by Jinstellakwon

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I originally used SPF 36 but transitioned when SPF 55 came out. I've used Shiseido's Sun Protection Creams for quite a few years now and I can't boast enough about how amazing this product is. Even though I slather this product all over my face, neck, and chest, it leaves my skin feeling moisturized and matte. It is the perfect base for my makeup!

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sitknee on 9/4/2012 3:35:00 AM more reviews by sitknee

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Wow. Seriously, I'm so surprised by how well this sunscreen works for me. My super oily skin finally has something that truly helps! I was shocked when I saw that I barely got oily throughout the day.

So the texture is rather thick, which might sound a little scary because if you're oily, you know you should stay away from creamy products. However, there is no issue here. Though the texture makes it a littttle hard to blend in, it's not a big deal and you are left with a nice, matte finish (if you think you look shiny, give it a minute to sink in). Not only that, your skin looks beautifully primed. You could definitely skip the primer, but I tend to use primer no matter what. I find there is no issue putting my Hourglass over this, or my foundation. You're simply left with an amazing flawless finish! It truly contributes as a primer, no joke.

Not only that, the oil-control is incredible. My skin is super oily and this just works. It really does. Now, that doesn't mean I'm 100% oil-free for 24 hours or something -- I might get slightly oily in my T-zone, but it's honestly such a small bit that I don't even bother to blot. Another thing to mention is that my moisturizer really determines whether this works or not. What I mean is, if you find that your moisturizer doesn't control oil even a little, this isn't going to combat that.

As for white cast, I do notice one a bit, but I don't think it's a deal-breaker -- not when it controls oil and primes my skin so well. In terms of breakouts, I get none, though I am breakout-prone. However, I do want to mention that people say this sunscreen needs to be removed thoroughly, or you will find yourself with clogged pores. I think the top recommendation is an oil cleanser, which I use anyway.

This is pretty expensive for how much product you get (and it's not like you can use only a little -- this is sunscreen, after all!) but totally worth it if you need something that will actually help control oil while protecting you from the sun!

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Lulabelle13 on 7/17/2012 10:50:00 AM more reviews by Lulabelle13

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Other   Eyes: Green    

I have been using this product daily on my face for a few weeks now and I think I can finally say that I have found my HG sunscreen. My skin is pretty sensitive and I just started using Ziana which makes it more sensitive, but this stuff does not sting or cause any irritation. It hasn't broken me out or clogged my pores at all. I am happy with the protection; I haven't gotten any darker or noticed any new freckles on my face. I use about 1/4 tsp to cover my face. There is a bit of a white cast, but it does sink in after awhile and it's not enough to bother me. It dries matte, which I love. There is some tackiness, but after I apply primer and makeup it's not an issue. It does require an oil to remove, and I have been needing to use cleansing oil to remove it from my foundation brush too. The only downside is the price, but one bottle lasts almost 2 months if you use it only on your face. Overall I am very pleased with this product and will definitely continue to use it.

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*TOP REVIEWER* lemonz4us on 7/9/2012 6:59:00 PM more reviews by lemonz4us

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

No . Just no . This sunscreen is awful .
Ok first I wanted a physical sunscreen that had high zinc content but no white cast . I usually rely on bioderma chem ss but it's too moisturizing right now for summer and not water resistant . I need something that'll stay on my face in this heat. This toutes having 16.3 % zinc , as well as 2.2% titanium dioxide and 7.5 octinoxate as well as waterproofness . I can tolerate the octinoxate it doesn't bother my skin .

The product is itself a thick white cream , it's scented but doesn't smell bad . I prefer no fragrance, but it doesn't bother me . Now the actual results . I put 1/4 tsp on my face 1/4 tsp on my neck and then some for my ears. I tried to blend as best as I could but I honestly do noT see how anyone can successfully wear this much ss on their face . I was as white as a geisha (and my skin is pretty light). I even let the ss absorb for 30 minutes . Still white. I had to wipe down a lot of it . The white cast is unacceptable . For the price (20$ an oz) this better do the dishes and mop the floor too . Oh btw to those who say you only need a pea size for your face ! No. Wrong. To get the labeled protection on the tube you need to use 1/4 tsp for the face and another 1/4 for your neck . And then some for other exposed areas . That said. The smaller size tube (the 19.50) which is 30ml --btw this is the better deal-- should last you about 10 days . Yup . 10 .
This sunscreen fails on so many levels . And shine control is poor . I got shine on my nose after only 3 hours with this on . Another thing . If you don't know how to remove this well, expect break outs and cystic acne. You need an oil to break up the sunscreen to remove it completely .
Compared to my traditional Japanese sunscreen (kose) this is like the tortoise from the tortoise and the hare, except the tortoise loses .

The kose feels like nothing, absorbs instantly with it's milky gel texture,moisturizing despite the alcohol, let's skin breathe, no shine at ALL, even after 10+ hours,offers higher protection with 20% zinc, same water proofness but removes easily, and comes in the same size as the bigger size shiseido , for the same 35$ dollar price tag. The difference being that one is actually worth the money.
I will not continue using this or repurchase. I wouldn't recommend it .thumbs down for this . I expected more , especially for the price tag. No thank you geisha mask.

edit: found something even better, replenix ss spray, weightless sunscreen, adheres nicely to skin, has lots of aox, and 12% zinc. Far more affordable than shiseido too.

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supragurl7 on 7/4/2012 1:42:00 PM more reviews by supragurl7

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Before this sunscreen I had been using those shake-up sunscreen from Asia. They included Anessa, Biore UV, and Shiseido Perfect UV Protector SPF50+ PA+++ ( I bought this in Hong Kong. It is the white bottle but I think it is the Urban Enviroment here in the US.) Anyways, I really like sunscreens from Asia as it is lightweight and less greasy. Lately, (partly do to me getting older and my job environment) my skin has been more and more dehydrated. My face would turn to a prune and I was to find the culprit. While I was slapping on the Shiseido sunscreen I bought in Hong Kong, I noticed my eyes watering, and see that my fine lines were accentuated. Then it dawned on me ALCOHOL! I checked the packaging, and it was the 3rd ingredient on the list. I stopped using it immediately and went on a hunt to find a sunscreen without alcohol. This particular Shiseido Sun Cream does not contain Alcohol. The reason those shake-up sunscreens are lightweight and non greasy is because they contain ALCOHOL. I'm bummed about it since I don't want my face to become a prune.

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fromskyline on 6/30/2012 12:27:00 AM more reviews by fromskyline

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Other, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Black    

This is my HG sunblock. And despite the fact that its natural physical ingredients of zinc oxide + titanium dioxide A) dries out my skin and B) makes it flaky (I have to exfoliate and moisturize my face every day) & C) the price of a bottle isn't exactly ideal, I CANNOT EVER LET GO OF THIS. I can see myself using this for the rest of my life, every single day.

Let me explain why:

1. I've tried every single kind of sunblock in drugstores, chemical, physical, natural, etc. But they either left my face deathly/ill-like white casted (I'm ~ NC/NW 15), or they smelled extremely chemically, or they burned my eyes, or they weren't performing and I found I was burned despite frequent application. I've truly burned through everything and was so unhappy.

2. I've tried Shiseido's Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60 and while it's thinner and easier to blend out (and less white-residue), it doesn't leave my face as matte at the end of the day. Also, I feel like its runny texture allows the physical sunscreen ingredients to... migrate. I feel like this migration possibility is OK if you're using it on your body, cause you can reapply many times without worrying about stickiness. But if you try to reapply constantly to your face, you'll notice the lotion is building up and is starting to feel sticky and mucky on your cheeks and forehead.
For some reason, I truly feel that the Cream SPF 55 helps the physical ingredients stick better to the face without having to reapply - almost like gluing the physical ingredients on until you scrub it off at the end of the day. I truly feel Protected!!!

I've come to terms with the fact that I have to exfoliate my face with a washcloth (I just use a creamy cleanser and exfoliate by scrubbing my face in small circles with the soft washcloth) and lotion up my face so I don't look like I have a skin disease when I apply the Cream SPF55 the next morning.
Anything to protect my face and health.

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Saibachick on 6/14/2012 2:23:00 AM more reviews by Saibachick

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Hazel    

This is currently my sunscreen staple because it contains zinc and titanium dioxide. I can't find many sunscreens readily available in America that have that high a content. Because it has high contents of zinc and titanium oxide, it tends to leave a bit of a white cast. Which is fine because it does dissipate a little after it dries. Now I'm not sure if this is micronized or nano zinc since it leaves that white cast but for the percentage it's remarkably not as white as say (badger sunscreen) and I haven't asked the company if it's micro or nano yet. But being a physical sunscreen it should stay on all day and there's no need to reapply, that's why I chose this sunscreen, pricey or not.

One of the few sunscreens readily available in America that offers a good amount of UVA protection all day.

It doesn't contain alcohol so that's a big plus in my book, no drying experience.

It does work as an amazing makeup primer too, probably because of the silicone.

Packaging is very nice and you can get pretty much all of the product out, even when you're hitting pan on it.

I'll definitely keep buying as long as they don't change the formulation or lower the percentage of zinc and titanium.

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cindy007 on 4/30/2012 4:07:00 PM more reviews by cindy007

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This sunscreen, combined with my covergirl ageless foundation, made my skin look flawless. On its own, this sunsceen can leave a little bit of a white cast. This does decrease as the sunscreen dries, however, it is still somewhat visible. However, when I put the covergirl ageless foundation over it, and then lightly powdered with lucidity powder, my skin looked amazing.

On its own this sunscreen provides a very high protection from the sun along with high UVA protection. Since it is a physical sunscreen (mainly) the spf does not break down like chemical sunscreens do. For this reason, it is better than chemical sunscreens.

On the down side, the sunscreen can feel a little heavy and is harder to remove. However, I use clairsonic and this does get it off.

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*TOP REVIEWER* PeachFuzzz on 4/24/2012 5:45:00 PM more reviews by PeachFuzzz

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Hazel    

Randomly bought this. I know, I know. I should have started using sunscreen early on in my life ( especially living in LA) but I didn't and now I do. This stuff is pretty good. It's my first facial sunscreen and it hasn't caused any breakouts which is plus. I bought the smaller size for $19 at sephora and it will last me awhile. I use a small amount for each area of my face. Doesn't seem t cause any extra oil or grease ( i'm very oily). Overall, good buy!

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*TOP REVIEWER* princess101 on 3/27/2012 2:57:00 AM more reviews by princess101

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I am IN LOVE with this sunscreen. I Canada this version is available as SPF 50 PA+++. I do own and use both, and can't tell the difference between the two forumlations.

This is a wonderful sunscreen and provides excellent coverage without the shiny finish. I usually apply this on top of a moisturizer, as I find this can be drying when worn alone for a full 8-10 hour day, as it is waterproof. Most waterproof or longlasting formulations I have encountered are drying on my combo/oily skin.

The cream is a thick consistency, but not so thick that it can't be blended. It initially leaves behind a white cast and does look shiny, but after 2 minutes of drying, it is completely matte and the white cast disappears. I have no problems applying foundations on top of this. One gripe is that it does require a heavy duty oil cleanser to remove, but I use Bioderma Sebium H2O and it does the job and then some. A plus with this is that it does act as a good primer for daily makeup. I would recommend this to others and prefer sunscreens that are separate from my makeup. A thing to note is that this contains both physical sunblock and chemical sunscreen so people with sensitive skin may want to stay away.

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liteenie on 2/17/2012 5:15:00 PM more reviews by liteenie

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Based on reviews here, I was confident that this would just disappear into my skin. Unfortunately, this leaves a white layer on my face that slowly starts to fade but still is evident the whole day. I'm not going to return it though, the white layer I can live with when I'm going to be hiking or snowboarding. The finish feels nice and even though it's a "cream", it doesn't feel heavy on my face. Won't be using this for a daily SS, going to try Shiseido Senka for days I don't want a tinted SS like my favorite Dr. Denese Defense Day Cream. I remove this with baby oil before I wash my face with cleanser.

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Blubird23 on 11/29/2011 6:04:00 PM more reviews by Blubird23

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I hate to admit it, but I don't wear sunscreen every day. I have not been able to find ONE sunscreen that does not break me out. I had high hopes for this one because it's easy to find at Sephora, Nordstom, etc., a little pricier than I'd prefer (but still much cheaper than paying for procedures to get rid of sun damage in the future.) Other advantages are no -benzones, partly physical and it has good protection. I am usually good about patch testing but I got excited and slathered this all over my face as soon as I got a sample. I thought the finish was okay (although someone told me I was missing my usual glow,) it felt a little heavy on but tolerable and it wasn't too whitening. Unfortunately it only took about two uses and I got a horrible cystic breakout that lasted over a month (my skin was mostly clear before that.) When my skin cleared, I patch tested on my forehead again just to be sure and I got a cyst on my temple where I never normally break out. My search continues, I would definitely recommend this sunscreen to someone with less crazy skin though, everyone's skin tolerates different things, and I would be wearing this if I could!

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*TOP REVIEWER* SexyLittleMe on 11/24/2011 5:42:00 PM more reviews by SexyLittleMe

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I've tried many sunscreens over the years, most have left me wanting something better, something....just, more. I want a sunblock that protects, but won't break me out, doesn't make my eyes itchy, and isn't greasy. Everything has failed in one area or another. My last HG was the Walgreens brand 2 for $5.00 tubes. No breakouts or irritation, and good protection, but it makes my skin look like I work at a Jiffy Lube. I'd look really shiny, rough, and unrefined, foundation and powder helped a bit, but I never looked perfect. With this, I look perfect. It is not greasy, even after hours & hours. It has a white cast, but that is ok, because I super pale anyway. It does not pill, even if I add a little extra around my eyes. I do add a light layer of loose powder, and t-zone/under eye primer, it is the perfect base for makeup, but I think I could go without powder if I decided to. SPF 55 PA+++ is currently for sale at Sephora, so I hope it isn't discontinued. Will repurchase, despite the cost. If it is being discontinued, I will give Shiseido's other sunscreens a shot, because I'm so pleased with this one.

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francisfahey on 10/29/2011 6:35:00 AM more reviews by francisfahey

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Black    

Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 7.494%, Zinc Oxide 13.95%, Titanium Dioxide 1.5%


I have to admit that I bought it simply because this version was being discontinued and also because it was used on Robert Pattinson during the shooting of Twilight according to Makeup411.com.

Big mistake!

I do not get what all the hype is about. If you happen to live in Asia and are surrounded by numerous Japanese sunscreens that are 100000000000 times more cosmetically elegant than this greasy sunscreen cream than you wouldn't even have glanced at it in the first place.


1) SHISEIDO's best-selling Asian exclusive sunscreen line ANESSA has some of the best sunscreens on the market, even surpassing the much overrated Sofina which does not provide adequate enough protection.
2) KOSE has a fabulous line called RESOA which contains 19.88% Zinc Oxide yet still dries 100% transparent. I can put 3 layers on in the morning and it is still undetectable. Now THAT is what I call sunscreen technology.
3) KANEBO has its own ALLIE line that shares the same patent from the Kao Group as Sofina's, but the protection ALLIE offers is far superior to Sofina's.


There you go, the 3 major Japanese brands with their own sunscreen lines that are selling like hot cakes here in Asia. I have used sunscreens from all over the world including those nasty glue-like high PPD European ones. And all I can say is the Asian sunscreen technology/market/awareness are light years ahead of its western counterpart.


Sorry folks but American sunscreens are total BS though. I always cringe at the thought of having to purchase sunscreens imported from the USA, because they are almost always pure chemical which is basically like setting fire to one's face and contributing to further melasma. Luckily I don't have to given the variety of options I have. America is the land of plenty but certainly lacking in the sunscreen department. One of my favorite quotes from someone on this topic is "What are you gonna do? Wait for the FDA to get real?"

38 out of 49 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

akern9k on 10/7/2011 3:10:00 PM more reviews by akern9k

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

After a lot of research and review-reading I went with this sunscreen. It's super-pricey and I wish that they would give you more for the price, but I plan to repurchase it because it seems to work really well.

This sunscreen has a very creamy, yet simultaneously dry, texture. I'm rating it highly and plan on repurchasing for mostly one reason: this stuff STAYS PUT. It feels a tiny bit heavy and occlusive, but if you're at the beach, in the water, out walking or hiking, sweating a ton, or engaged in anything else that's strenuous outdoors, I think this has to be one of your best bets. I sweat a lot, and have gone surfing with this on, and it goes nowhere until about 3 hours (which is when you should reapply anyways). I'm VERY pale and fair and have never gotten even the tiniest bit pink wearing this. Also, I have skin that is very combination, and also sensitive (pore problems in T-zone, not outright acne but I tend towards lots of little blackheads and cloggy milia), and this doesn't seem to exacerbate any of that. I'm wary of applying moisturizer under this as I always err on the side of less product than more for my combo skin, but then again in the situations I'm using this (outdoors, water, sweat, etc), I'm not really after using a nice moisturizer since I'll be washing up really well at the end of the day anyways.

For daytime regular use, I think it can be a bit much. I was hunting around and trying to find something better suited for just daily casual sun exposure that didn't require oils to remove, and ended up choosing the Shiseido Urban Environments one (which I've also reviewed).

This is pricey, and heavy, but you can't expect something that provides such a high level of super heavy-duty waterproof protection to just totally sink into your skin and disappear, I feel. It's the price I pay for really good protection, and I think it's worth it. Also, the UVA on this is good, another reason I purchased. I don't wear it under makeup often, but it seems to work well, since it stays put like glue and almost, almost acts like kind of a mattifying primer.

For anyone who has to be outside for several hours a day, going on vacation in the sun, doing watersports, or just super outdoorsy sporty folks, I think this is a good bet.

If I ever visit Europe I'd like to look into some of the mexoryl LRP ss's, but until that happens, I'll be going with this since it's accessible, and does the job.

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annacay on 8/27/2011 8:38:00 PM more reviews by annacay

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I like that this product does just what it says it will. It keeps skin matte in any condition - middle of July, mid-workout, everything, acts as a good primer for makeup and won't sweat off.. And it hydrates and balances my combination skin. It is difficult to take off, though.
Edit- clogged my pores a little, so take off two lipsticks.

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angelinuh on 8/22/2011 8:15:00 PM more reviews by angelinuh

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I love this sunscreen because it is gentle on the skin, doesn't take much to blend, and has a pleasant scent. Most importantly I know it does a great job at keeping my skin protected and it doesn't burn or sting my eyes. I love that it is so easy to apply and isn't too runny.

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Lalunia on 8/21/2011 10:38:00 PM more reviews by Lalunia

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

Best stuff ever. Keeps my makeup (MAC SFF) in place, makes my skin look less greasy, doesn't break out my acne prone skin and protects my sun sensitive and pale skin. I usually stock up during Sephora's fall sale and a package lasts me about 3 months. My TJ Maxx had a bunch for 18 bucks recently.

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*TOP REVIEWER* kaxel on 8/14/2011 10:14:00 PM more reviews by kaxel

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I have melasma so sun protection is very important to me. Last summer I couldn't understand why despite applying SPF 45 or higher daily, my melasma still darkened considerably. And if I spent one day at the beach, even reapplying sunscreen diligently, it darkened rapidly! I went on MUA boards and found that chemical sunscreens (what I've been using) can actually worsen it (search Melasma on the board to read posts). So I decided to switch to physical (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) sunscreens. After reading reviews I chose this and have been using it for a month. Pros: I love the packaging, it clicks shut securely and the color makes it easy to find in my beach bag. It absorbs well and doesn't leave my face feeling or looking greasy (I have dry skin). Biggest pro: IT WORKS! I have gone to the beach twice for full days with this...one day, my umbrella broke, then my hat blew off and I had to spend the entire day in the blazing sun. My skin didn't get any darker! Con: Applying foundation over this requires good timing. If you do it too soon, it's greasy. If you wait too long, it becomes "draggy." About 2-3 minutes to sink in works. Originally, I thought this smelled like bug spray, but now I've grown to like the scent--it smells like sunscreen but that reminds me of summer and makes me happy. The other con is the price, but at $19 for 1.2 oz bottle (there is also a larger $38 size) this is about the same as the LaRoche-Posay I'd been using that DID NOTHING. If this keeps my melasma at bay, I'd gladly pay much more.

18 out of 18 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No